Need some ideas for why a drop in pH? - Aquaponic Gardening2024-03-29T09:51:24Zhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/forum/topics/need-some-ideas-for-why-a-drop?feed=yes&xn_auth=noThere are other slower option…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2011-06-02:4778851:Comment:1255112011-06-02T23:23:22.460ZTCLynxhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/TCLynx
<p>There are other slower options for buffering (however because they are slow you need to be careful not to over do it) Many people will use plain calcium carbonate (could be garden lime, shells, coral sand etc.) My method when I need to buffer is to hang a mesh bag (some people use stockings or panty hose) with some chicken grit or shells in the fish tank or sump tank. If the pH goes too high, pull it out. If the pH doesn't come up quick enough use a small dose of the products Sylvia…</p>
<p>There are other slower options for buffering (however because they are slow you need to be careful not to over do it) Many people will use plain calcium carbonate (could be garden lime, shells, coral sand etc.) My method when I need to buffer is to hang a mesh bag (some people use stockings or panty hose) with some chicken grit or shells in the fish tank or sump tank. If the pH goes too high, pull it out. If the pH doesn't come up quick enough use a small dose of the products Sylvia listed and then use the buffer bag to help buffer long term.</p>
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<p>Of course if you are not alternating the calcium and potassium hydroxides you might need to add some other source of potassium.<a style="cursor: pointer;"><img src="http://www.bkserv.net/images/Grin.gif"/></a></p> Sorry, my friend. Buffering…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2011-06-02:4778851:Comment:1256012011-06-02T22:21:48.959ZSylvia Bernsteinhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/SylviaBernstein
Sorry, my friend. Buffering specifics is beyond my chemistry skills! The pH Up product is safe for fish and plants, and, yes, it can be found in hydro stores.
Sorry, my friend. Buffering specifics is beyond my chemistry skills! The pH Up product is safe for fish and plants, and, yes, it can be found in hydro stores. Thanks sylvia...that does hel…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2011-06-02:4778851:Comment:1255022011-06-02T21:53:28.043ZRicky Flickengerhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/RickyFlickenger
Thanks sylvia...that does help, as I couldn't think of anything else that might be happening. I do know not to do anything to make it swing wildly. Thanks for the link on the pH up - I think I've seen it at my local hydroponic store...are there differences in products (read as, "what should I look for that isn't fish safe?") and how long does the "pH up" help stabilize? or does that depend on my buffering capacity?
Thanks sylvia...that does help, as I couldn't think of anything else that might be happening. I do know not to do anything to make it swing wildly. Thanks for the link on the pH up - I think I've seen it at my local hydroponic store...are there differences in products (read as, "what should I look for that isn't fish safe?") and how long does the "pH up" help stabilize? or does that depend on my buffering capacity? Hi Ricky. pH will naturally…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2011-06-02:4778851:Comment:1254052011-06-02T21:46:03.661ZSylvia Bernsteinhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/SylviaBernstein
<p>Hi Ricky. pH will naturally drop over time in a healthy system - all is good! You should buffer it back up though. The first rule is: Whatever you do to adjust pH in aquaponics – Do it slowly! Fast, large pH swings are very stressful on fish and will be much more of a problem than having pH that is out of range. Target shifting your pH reading no more than .2 per day and you should be fine. Raise pH either by using “<a href="http://www.theaquaponicstore.com/pH-Up-8-oz-p/awchf009.htm">pH…</a></p>
<p>Hi Ricky. pH will naturally drop over time in a healthy system - all is good! You should buffer it back up though. The first rule is: Whatever you do to adjust pH in aquaponics – Do it slowly! Fast, large pH swings are very stressful on fish and will be much more of a problem than having pH that is out of range. Target shifting your pH reading no more than .2 per day and you should be fine. Raise pH either by using “<a href="http://www.theaquaponicstore.com/pH-Up-8-oz-p/awchf009.htm">pH Up</a>” or by alternating alternatively use calcium hydroxide – also known as “hydrated lime” or “builder’s lime” with potassium carbonate (or bicarbonate) or potassium hydroxide (“pearlash” or “potash”).</p>
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<p>Hope this helps.</p>
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